If you want to create routines and add new skills, you’ll need a smartphone or device to run the Alexa app. To use Alexa, you’ll need a speaker that is Alexa-enabled, like any Echo or Echo show device, or another manufacturer’s speaker that is Alexa-enabled - they’re usually well-labeled. Tech-savvy parents could set up a routine that will flash a smart light in their bedroom when a window or door is opened after midnight to keep track of when their teenagers arrive home - or sneak out. You can activate that by voice command or have it set to go off if a door or window sensor is tripped during certain hours. You can create another routine that turns all of those things off by saying, “Alexa: To all a good night.”Īnother great routine idea is to create an emergency routine that turns lights on or even flashes them and turns on a siren noise. Adjust the thermostat to a warmer temperature.Start your Christmas playlist on your Amazon Echo or another speaker.Turn on a lamp with a color-changing bulb.Turn on the plug that controls the Christmas tree lights.Providing your lights are either Alexa-enabled smart lights or plugged into a smart plug, you could create a routine where you say, “Alexa, Merry Christmas!” and then Alexa will: Let’s say Christmas is approaching, and you want to be able to make the living room cozy without having to walk around to turn lights on and off. The next step is using skills to create “routines.” Routines are simply a number of commands and skills grouped together and triggered by a single command. Linking up Alexa with the iRobot Roomba skill, for example, would allow you to launch your robot vacuum, clean certain rooms, and return to base - all just by you asking. Alexa’s functions and interactions with other apps and devices are controlled by commands known as “skills.” A skill is a pre-programmed event or outcome that you can trigger by asking Alexa a question. So many apps and products work with Alexa that it’s nearly impossible to keep an updated list. You can also ask Alexa to select workout routines and videos from your health app or view recipes from All Recipes. You can have Alexa play your current audiobook from your Audible account, play your favorite songs from Spotify, set up a ride with Lyft, or check traffic and arrival times from Waze. The next level involves connecting Alexa with your other applications and using a voice command to launch them. Taking Alexa functionality to the next level Video chat is a wonderful feature, especially for those who have older family members they need to check in on regularly.Īlexa can also help you call the family together for dinner by acting as an intercom within the home. If you have an Echo Show, you can ask Alexa to video-call someone who also has one. Listen to the radio, get news or traffic info, and see clips of current events.Control smart home devices like lights, thermostats, smart locks, and more.Some people never go further than simple trivia questions with their Alexa-enabled devices, but it’s capable of so much more: You can ask about events in the news, general knowledge questions, what the weather forecast looks like, or which movies are opening this weekend.Īlexa can also find answers to many everyday questions since it uses technology to search the internet and provide you with a verbal response based on what was found. To find out what time it is, you’d simply say, “Alexa, what time is it?” Alexa will respond and tell you the time. To interact with Alexa, you simply say “Alexa” and then follow up with your question or command. Alexa works similarly in that you can simply ask it questions. If you have an iPhone, you’re probably familiar with Siri, Apple’s A.I. What kinds of things can you do with Alexa? Since Alexa is managed using the Alexa app, you can also use your smartphone to interact, meaning even folks using Apple iPhones or Android devices can find a way to access digital butler services. Many smart home devices can also be controlled with Alexa automation. You can also read about the best Alexa-enabled devices here. Devices like the Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat, iHome’s AVS16 Alarm Clock, LG’s Smart Instaview Refrigerator, and the Sonos One speaker are all Alexa-enabled. There are also non-Amazon devices that work with Alexa. What to do if your Amazon Alexa app is not working The underappreciated Amazon Sidewalk network is bigger than you think
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